A car without a driver was trialed in Tauranga over the weekend.
Car maker Volvo and NZTA carried out the country’s first-ever public road demonstration of an automated vehicle.
The test was completed on a 15km stretch of road in Tauranga.
Transport Minister and local MP Simon Bridges went along for the ride in the car. He was also joined by a “driver” who will be there to make sure there are no mistakes with the car.
The demo ran on what is internationally called ‘level 2’ or ‘partial automation’.
The car was able to accelerate, brake and steer itself around road markings – but the driver will still be ultimately responsible.
A level 4 vehicle intervenes even if a driver does not respond when alerted, and a level 5 car has full control.